We have to be in line at the ferry terminal at 6:30 this morning. I've gotten the hang of the system and the layout of the ship and I know exactly where I want to sit for the next six hours but we have to beat the crowd as my reclining window seats are few! This crossing was smooth and the time flew.

We arrived in North Sydney, NS and headed for the city of Louisbourg which is on Cape Breton Island. Our goal was to check into our B&B, The Stacey House, which is another century old building, then hightail it to the Fortresse before it closed.

The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park is the crown jewel of the Canadian Park Service and the largest historical reconstruction in Canada. Fortresse Louisbourg was built to protect France's interests in the new world and to serve as the center of its massive seasonal fishing industry. Its location near the eastern tip of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia enabled it to serve not only as the capital of the new colony of Ile Royale but also to act as the first line of defense for France in its 18th century struggle against Great Britain for colonial supremacy in North America.

This place reminds me of Colonial Williamsburg...the people dress in period costume and interact with you as though you were back in the 18th century. This is a huge village with homes, inns, restaurants, etc. The food served is what you would have eaten in the 18th century. There are also demonstrations of all kinds as well as a cannon firing at the end of the day. I highly recommend a stop here.

After a quick meal we set out to see the the first Canadian lighthouse which went into service at Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island in 1734.

It was constructed on an outcrop of rock on the point. It guarded the eastern side of the entrance to Louisbourg Harbor. The coastline here is beautiful and rugged for as far as the eye can see. The sun is setting and we have had yet another very long day.